While the start of the season has been lackluster, FC Barcelona will look to finish strong. Still barely alive in La Liga, the Catalan giants know that no more slip-ups can be tolerated. However, beyond just La Liga, Barcelona also hope to make a mark in the Champions League.
Yet, it is not just the team as a collective that hopes to make said mark. One of the side’s most talented young gems has his own aspirations in mind as well, given that the upcoming clash against Napoli in the Round of 16 could put his name in the record books.
As highlighted by SPORT, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal has the opportunity to break a great record against Napoli. In the event that he manages to score, he will become the youngest goalscorer in the history of the UEFA Champions League.
By doing so, he would then take over a record set previously by another Barcelona starlet. Hailing from La Masia himself and once donning the number 10, Ansu Fati is the name of the player who is currently the youngest goal scorer in the history of Europe’s premier competition.
His goal came in 2019, when Barcelona took on Inter Milan in their Champions League Group stage clash. Ultimately, it was his brilliantly well-placed strike from just outside the box that helped Barcelona win 1-2 away from home against the Italians.
Coincidentally, Barça are now also traveling to Italy as they look to face Napoli over in Naples. The match itself will be a great opportunity for Lamine Yamal to announce himself on the European stage. Moreover, this challenge could not have come for him at a better moment this season.
As it stands, Yamal currently has 5 goals and 7 assists to his name. Apart from the Champions League, he has scored in every other official competition. Currently, he has directly been involved in three of the team’s last five goals, and was also responsible for winning the penalty that led to said fifth goal, making it an indirect yet important involvement as well.